American Red Cross Classes

Lifeguard Training

You must be 15 years old and proficient in the front crawl (freestyle), and breaststroke. Lifeguard training is a 25.5-hour course, which includes First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPR/PR) and AED. In the course, you learn about the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard and how to carry them out in a professional manner. You also learn lifeguarding skills such as surveillance techniques, how to use rescue equipment, and how to manage a suspected spinal injury victim. These practices require strenuous activity. If you have a medical condition or disability that might prevent you from taking part in the practice sessions or if you have any questions at all about your ability to participate fully in the Lifeguard Training course, discuss it with your local American Red Cross chapter or unit before you start the course. There will also be a pre-course session, during which you must pass a skills test.

Skills You Must Perform

Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

Tread water for two minutes using only your legs. Candidates should place their hands under their armpits.

Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or our of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed

Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of seven to ten feet and retrieve a 10-pound object

Surface and swim 20 yards on your back with both hands holding the object

Classroom Course

Instruction is In a traditional classroom setting including lecture, video, and in-water instruction. Each class builds on the previous class. You must attend all classes to complete the course. You must have text and equipment by their second class. You can buy the text or download for free at www.redcross.org.

Schedule - Classroom Course

Session I - March 19th, 2015 and March 23rd, 2015 - March 27th, 2015

Registration deadline - March 18th, 2015

Prerequisite class will be held on March 19th from 630pm-830pm

Class meets Monday 23rd - Friday 27th 8:00am-4:30pm

Session II - May 27th, 2015 - May 31st, 2015

Registration deadline - May 26th, 2015

Prerequisite class will be held on May 27th from 6:30 pm-8:30pm

Class meets Thursday 28th - Sunday 31st 8:00am-4:30am

Blended Learning Course

The new blended learning Lifeguarding course from the American Red Cross builds the same knowledge and skills as our traditional classroom training. The online format enables participants to complete interactive lessons and activities on their own time. Instructor–led sessions reinforce learning and emphasize skill building. Students must have access to a computer with internet capability. Student progress reports must be printed out and submitted to the instructor at each on–site session.

Lifeguard and CPR-PR Recertification Course

Fees

General

Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)

Being a Red Cross instructor is a fulfilling and rewarding experience. You must be 17 years of age and will need to successfully complete a Fundamentals of Instructor Training Course. If you would like to learn more about becoming an instructor, or if you're ready to get started, contact your local Red Cross chapter to begin the process. Once you complete the Fundamentals of Instructor Training you are ready to register for our class. To register, participants must complete the Fundamentals of Instructor Training and satisfy the requirements listed below.

Pre-Requisite

Must possess at least one of the following:

Current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED

Current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid and either an American Red Crosscertificate for CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or CPR/AED for Lifeguards

Equivalent certificate(s) from another approved organization

Successfully complete the pre-course session

Obtain the Lifeguarding Instructor's Manual and Lifeguarding Manual prior to entering the first classroom session of the instructor course www.redcross.org